Brunch at Terrine LA

Just before the holiday season started, Terrine LA opened its doors on Beverly Boulevard in the old Pane Vino space, a block from Jar Restaurant. And, just after the holidays, Terrine LA opened its doors for brunch. So, to start the new year off on a good foot, we headed to Terrine LA for brunch.

Terrine LA is a gorgeous space. The brasserie-style restaurant is a wide open space with bright natural light (in the daytime). The elegant copper and marble bar runs along one side of the room and a whitewashed brick wall runs along the other side. A large picture window behind the bar offers a view into the kitchen. And there is the romantic patio featuring a lovely old tree in the center. However, as it was one of those very rare cold days in LA, we opted to sit inside.

Under the direction of Chef Kris Morningstar (Ray’s & Stark Bar) and Stephane Bombet (Faith & Flower, Picca, Mo-Chica), Terrine LA is a California brasserie with both French and Italian influences.

To start off any good brunch, we ordered cocktails. Ryan Wainwright has created the drinks menu which is different for brunch and dinner. The brunch menu features mostly refreshing, citrus drinks like a French 75, Moscow Mule, Paloma, Daiquiri, Gordon’s Cup, Winter Champagne Cocktail, Italian Soda and, of course, a Bloody Mary.

I started with the Winter Champagne Cocktail. Made with spiced cranberry cordial, lemon and Prosecco, this isn’t quite a Champagne cocktail but I liked it nonetheless. The spiced cranberry gave it a warm richness that was perfectly balanced with the tart brightness.

My friend ordered the Italian Soda, made with Campari, Cynar and Pilsner. If you like bitterness of Campari, this is your drink.

With our drinks in hand, we focused on the menu and started with the Avocado Toast – house-made bread with tarragon salsa verde, Meyer lemon and radish. For such a simple dish, this one was outstanding.

The Spicy Fried Chicken & Grits with scallions and maple is a stand out. The boneless chicken is super crispy with a hint of spice which is a nice contrast to the creamy grits and sweet maple.

To wash the food, we ordered a second round of drinks – a Daiquiri (El Dorado 3 Year, lime, sugar) and a French 75 (Beefeater, lemon, Prosecco). I see that Ryan prefers to use Prosecco in drinks that traditionally call for Champagne. But, the Prosecco used isn’t sweet and adds a lighter element to the drinks.

For our egg dish, we ordered the House Smoked Briskett Hash with a sunny egg, horseradish and burnt lilies sauce. What I love about this hash is that it has big meaty pieces of brisket.

On the side, we ordered a Biscuit with apple butter. This dense biscuit flaked off in layers and with fresh butter and apple butter on top, it melts in the mouth. New Year’s Resolutions be damned!

As if we hadn’t had enough already, we also ordered the Mushroom Pizza with truffle cheese and sage. The pizzas are also available on the dinner menu so no need to over-stuff yourself like we did. But, who can say no to truffle cheese!?!?

While we focused on cocktails during brunch, the wine list, created by François Renaud is intriguing. Featuring predominantly French wines, there is a small selection of boutique California producers. This is a wine list that I look forward to exploring next time I go to Terrine for dinner. But, for brunch, when our charming server came by with a tray of sparkling wines, we couldn’t resist and ended the meal with a glass of Domaine Moingeon Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé…….afterall #pinkwinemakesmehappy!

Brunch is served three days a week – Friday (11:30am – 2:30pm) and Saturday and Sunday (10:00am – 3:00pm)